La-La Land

photo by Matt Cohen

by Weston Rutkowski

Mom wanted me to rope. I wanted to ride bulls. She figured if I got slammed on a bull that would end it.

photo by Matt Cohen

I was in eighth grade when she finally let me pull the trigger. I drew this mottle-faced two-year-old, rode halfway down the pen and fell off. It was the coolest thing ever. Looking back, I bet the sumbitch just oinked around.

photo by Matt Cohen

I didn't get hurt, so Mom was like, Whatever. You can get on another one. This white muley thumped my ass. He put me in la-la land. I thought, Now THAT was the coolest thing ever. Mom was like, Oh shit.

photo by Matt Cohen

After that she wouldn't let me ride bulls. Said it would ruin my chance at a football scholarship.